Court Orders Suspension Of Trump’s White House Ballroom Project, Gives Reason

Also Read

Emmynet24 News reports that a United States federal judge has ordered the administration of Donald Trump to suspend construction of a $400 million ballroom project at the White House, ruling that the work cannot proceed without congressional approval.

US District Judge Richard Leon issued the order on Tuesday in Washington, granting a request by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for a preliminary injunction to halt the controversial renovation.

The court held that the preservationist group is likely to succeed in its legal challenge, noting that no law grants the president the authority to carry out such extensive construction without legislative backing.

“The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families. He is not, however, the owner!” Leon stated in his ruling.

The project reportedly involved demolishing the White House East Wing to create space for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom designed to accommodate up to 999 people.

Following the decision, the White House swiftly filed an appeal notice, signaling its intention to challenge the ruling.

Reacting shortly after the judgment during a session with reporters, Trump rejected the court’s decision, insisting that past construction projects at the White House did not require congressional approval.

“We built many things at the White House over the years. They don’t get congressional approval,” Trump said.

The ruling marks a significant legal setback for the administration’s efforts to overhaul the historic presidential residence. However, Judge Leon suspended enforcement of the order for 14 days to allow for an orderly halt to ongoing construction.

The court also clarified that construction related to safety and security within the White House complex would not be affected by the injunction.

President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Carol Quillen, welcomed the ruling, describing it as a victory for Americans.

“We are pleased with Judge Leon’s ruling today to order a halt to any further ballroom construction until the Administration complies with the law and obtains express authorisation,” she said.

The White House had announced the ballroom project during the summer, with demolition of the East Wing reportedly completed by late October.

The preservation group filed its lawsuit in December, seeking to pause the project pending independent reviews and formal approval from Congress.